Security
Iran abandons its allies: A warning to the Houthis
Iran's former politician's latest demand that Venezuela immediately settle more than $2 billion in outstanding debts offers a revealing glimpse into Tehran's true approach to its alliances.
![Houthi fighters near the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on November 2, 2025. [Mohammed Huwais/AFP]](/gc1/images/2025/12/27/53244-afp__20251102__82rc49n__v1__highres__yemenconflict-600_384.webp)
Al-Fassel |
When circumstances shift, and partners become liabilities, Iran quickly retreats, prioritizing its own survival over any notion of loyalty.
Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, former chairman of Iran's parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, warned that Tehran was left "empty-handed" after Assad's government collapsed in Syria.
He added that Iranian leaders now fear a similar outcome in Venezuela following the loss of a key ally in Syria.
This pattern should serve as a stark warning to the Houthis, who continue to rely heavily on Iranian support.
A track record of abandonment
Iran's scramble to recover its assets in Venezuela underscores a long-standing reality: Tehran's alliances are transactional, fragile and rooted in self-interest.
His statement suggests that Iran is rushing to secure its financial interests and avoid a repeat of what happened in Syria, where billions evaporated after Assad's fall.
This behavior is not an anomaly, and it is a consistent feature of Iran's foreign policy.
When partners weaken, Tehran distances itself, leaving former allies to absorb the consequences alone.
The message is unmistakable: Iran's loyalty lasts only as long as its interests are protected.
The Houthis should take notice
The Houthis, who have long benefited from Iranian weapons, training and political backing, should view these developments with caution.
Iran's support has never been rooted in shared ideology or regional solidarity with the people of Yemen.
Instead, the Houthis serve as a convenient proxy, useful for pressuring rivals, disrupting regional stability and expanding Tehran's influence.
However, as seen in Syria, Iran abandons its allies the moment they become burdensome.
Should the Houthis face mounting military or political setbacks, Tehran will not hesitate to withdraw its support, leaving them isolated and exposed.
Ultimately, Iran's actions reveal a broader strategy built on exploitation rather than partnership.
Whether in Latin America or the Middle East, Tehran treats its allies as expendable tools, assets to be used and discarded when no longer profitable.
The Houthis must recognize this eye-opening reality, as they, too, are being left behind.
Iran's call for Venezuela's repayment extends beyond a purely financial matter or debt collection. It serves as a warning to those relying on Tehran: abandonment isn't an option; it's certain.